97-00 C5
Thread Starter
Racer
Joined: Sep 2005
Posts: 260
Likes: 11
From: Fort Wayne Indiana
97-00 C5
Hey guys and gals, I just sold my 2004 Mustang GT for 18K and am looking for a C5 in the 20K range. Is there anything I should watch out for?
How bad is the maintenance compared to other performance cars. I understand parts are more expensive but how often do things break if the car is well taken care of? I will keep it virtually stock.
What about manual vs auto. Any reliability issues either way? I have read about the column lock, does that effect both or only manuals.
What are stock average 1/4 mile times?
This will be a weekend cruiser with spirited driving from time to time.
Thanks for the help guys. I have been searching around and hope to stay for quite some time with a new C5 soon.
Jason
How bad is the maintenance compared to other performance cars. I understand parts are more expensive but how often do things break if the car is well taken care of? I will keep it virtually stock.
What about manual vs auto. Any reliability issues either way? I have read about the column lock, does that effect both or only manuals.
What are stock average 1/4 mile times?
This will be a weekend cruiser with spirited driving from time to time.
Thanks for the help guys. I have been searching around and hope to stay for quite some time with a new C5 soon.
Jason
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Joined: Apr 2005
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From: SoCal Twin Turbo, Any Questions?
St. Jude Donor '06-'07
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Glad you saw the light, good luck finding a Vette in the low 20's, most go in the mid to high 20's, id look in ebay, even if you dont buy one from there, you get a good i dea of whats out there for sale, as for maitenence, its not beed to bad, i have a 2000 with 40k miles on it. Definately go with a 6speed, but im partial, the CLB is a PITA but you can get a block for it, or just do what i do and break the actual locking mechanism and if it ever locks on you umplug the battery for 15 minutes. 
Good luck and welcome to the Forum! 
Good luck and welcome to the Forum!
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For 20K, you will be able to get a C5 with a few miles on it, but it could still be a really nice car. The LS1 engine is really very reliable, with a few other components such as the differential seals and column lock being problem areas. The column lock can be avoided by installing a column lock bypass - easy to do and cost is about $60. Just take your time and be sure to carefully look over the car. Good luck.
